The Night All Hell Broke Loose!

Still is Sunday... it is now 8:30pm and I have just arrived to Plaza de la Creu Alta... and Hell is about to brake loose!

You might think they are some sort of cowboys. Stagecoach robbers maybe?...
What you would never guess is that I was dressed just like them! And the reason for such an extravagant display? The night of the Correfoc in Sabadell.


The word Correfoc means 'fire run'. Correfocs are amongst the most striking of Catalonia's festive events. In a world marked by fire and the smell of gunpowder all kinds of devils dance to the drums beat. They play with the fire and with the people, throwing at them their incandescent balls while dancing around like a Dervish.


Young and old, even little kids! They all participate in this madness letting the dragon fire at them. Actually, provoking the dragon would be more appropriate!

For an hour and a half everybody dance and jump with rapture throughout the route. It is totally contagious! In the end devils, instigators and dragons, they all gather in the Central Market downtown Sabadell where the sky bursts into flames falling down on their heads! It is the end of the Correfocs... but just until next year!

Here 'Las Collas' gather to initiate the tour and hundreds participate of what it mostly is SUPER FUN!


These devils are not the incarnation of evil; they are sprightly and festive, dancing to the sound of the drums, while they set off their fireworks.

Each Colla has its own colors. They are like gangs, representing their respective neighborhoods. But unlike the mafia related gangs, these Collas involve their whole families in the making of their costumes, props and the final farce! It's a family and a whole town's event!

That long stick he is carrying, it is crowned with fireworks. Once lighted, he will start moving like a Dervish to help spread the fire to every corner of the route.

Here are some of the Collas participating in the event...




A devil and two fire runners.

Even little kids!
The drummers set the pace...









The fireworks of the devils in action!

And this is what you do. You walk in front of the Drac, and he fires at you through his mouth and nostrils!


When the fire is out, all the fire runners place themselves ahead in the street, making a human barrier to block the dragon's pass... Of course it doesn't last!
Once the Drac has been recharged with fireworks, once more he starts charging against the fire runners, blowing fire out his mouth and nose... and the fire runners start running again!




In these two videos you can appreciate what I was telling about people forming a human barrier against the dragon... We already know who wins! Right? lol




It is indeed fascinating to watch... even more to participate!

Here you can better appreciate the dragon spiting fire





One of the dragon masters taking a break, and a sip of wine from his bota.


Recharging the dragon



Las Collas of devils advancing towards the Central Market.



The devils' dance...




The dragon leads the way. In the middle the drummers and behind them the Collas of devils with their fireworks. The fire runners... EVERYWHERE!





Since the beginning of time men have been fascinated by fire. It exerts an overwhelming feeling hard to resist, even for the youngest!


Getting ready for the grand finale!
It is hard to see anything with the skies bursting in flames over you. Besides, the heat is incredible. The whole plaza where the Central Market stands becomes a virtual inferno no one is able to escape!... Luckily, it only lasts a few minutes, after which the Correfocs is over until next year!


Here are two different moments when all Hell broke loose on the plaza!


The Correfocs might have been over, but not my night! Afterwards I went to the Plaza de l'Alcalde Marcet where la Cobla Jovenivola de Sabadell was performing Sardanes. After that, went to a Jazz concert, didn't stay though... Moved to the Night of Tangos, did stayed! and finally before going to bed saw the comedy show Star Trip by Yllana